nauseating odor

addiligence1 · Post by **addiligence1** » 10 Mar 2010, 03:22

My 2002 S40 has a horrible chemical odor eminating from the heating vents while the car is being driven. I have to drive with the windos open. Help! What is this?

addiligence1 · Post by **addiligence1** » 10 Mar 2010, 14:01

Discovered car has cabin filter. when removed it appeared the coolant has been leaking through the heating vents onto the passenger side floor. (That was the odor). Coolant level was greatly depleted. But we can't seem to find where it is specifically leaking. Any thoughts?

nifton · Post by **nifton** » 10 Mar 2010, 15:35

that's a bit odd, can't think how coolant has got up there, you sure it's not anti-freeze? I can see how that might seep through from the wiper feeds if there's a split hose near the air heater.

addiligence1 · Post by **addiligence1** » 25 Mar 2010, 05:48

Definitely coolant. We think the heater hose may be leaking.
Does anyone know how to get to that?

dtropnevad05 · Post by **dtropnevad05** » 25 Mar 2010, 06:35

nifton wrote:that's a bit odd, can't think how coolant has got up there, you sure it's not anti-freeze? I can see how that might seep through from the wiper feeds if there's a split hose near the air heater.

Here in the States Anti-Freeze is often called Coolant.

I think by "coolant" you are thinking he is talking about Freon that is used in the AC system?

The other thing you might have going on is a leaking heater core unless you have already confirmed the heater hose.

addiligence1 · Post by **addiligence1** » 25 Mar 2010, 06:42

The transmission light just came on while driving to the store. Is this related? What does it mean? Manual is no help.
Transmittion light is actually flashing.

dtropnevad05 · Post by **dtropnevad05** » 25 Mar 2010, 07:05

First thing I would do is check the fluid level and make sure it is where it needs to be. If you coolant is low the trans might be over heating and that is not a good thing. You should not drive the car until you fill the coolant/anti-freeze to the proper level!

addiligence1 · Post by **addiligence1** » 25 Mar 2010, 07:31

Thank you. We will do that right now.

Post by **jblackburn** » 25 Mar 2010, 07:53

Your heater core has probably developed a crack. It is a common issue with the 850/-70 series cars, and a very easy fix on those. I'm not sure where it is on the S40, but if your footwell is damp, chances are there is an access panel to change it out in the center console.

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... re-install

addiligence1 · Post by **addiligence1** » 28 Mar 2010, 15:31

Thank you. Can you give me a bit more info on this?